Top Foods for Preserving Joints

Your joints have a pretty important job. As you get older, your joints experience normal decompensation that comes with the aging process. Eat well to nourish your body. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet works wonders for the joints. To keep your joints as healthy as possible, incorporate these superfoods into your diet and enjoy less discomfort during your daily routine.

Dark, leafy green vegetables: fight free-radicals in the body with green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and salads with dark leafy greens like kale. Foods like these that are rich in antioxidants help fight the breakdown of cartilage.

Omega-3 fatty acids: oily fish like salmon and sardines are chock full of Omega-3’s, proven to reduce inflammation in the body. Eating oily fish or taking a fish oil supplement will help to reduce morning stiffness as well.

Blueberries: one of the stars of the show, blueberries are high in anthocyanins, one of the most powerful flavonoids. Flavonoids are responsible for turning off anti-inflammatory responses in the body.

Tomatoes:rich in lycopene, these guys pack a powerful punch. Eat the skin to get the best benefit for your joints, heart, and eyes, as well as protection against damage to your DNA.

Garlic, onions and turmeric: each of these have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have proven that these are powerful treatments for symptoms of joint pain and arthritis. The compound allicin, present in garlic and certain onions can alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Whole grains:it’s long been understand that refined and processed flour triggers inflammatory responses in the body. High fiber whole grains like barley, quinoa, rye and spelt are responsible for producing fatty acids that counteract said inflammation.

Bone broth: bone broth is loaded with glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids and calcium. Each of these play a large role in protecting joints, as well as tendons and ligaments. Drinking just 1 8 oz serving of bone broth daily protects your joints from damage.

Nuts: adding walnuts and brazil nuts to your diet is an excellent way to protect your joints. Rich in selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, nuts offer protection for aging joints.

It is important that as we age, we care for our joints, by maintaining our weight, engaging in strength training and eating a good diet. And if you do hurt another part of your body, do not try to overcompensate–this only hurts other parts of your body. Work with a dedicated physical therapist on things like herniated disc exercises can help you protect your joints and keep you moving, even into old age.